Steve Bullman

Last year, the FSI B31-749 stump grinder took the arboricultural market by storm, with its 26.5hp engine combined with a compact, manoeuvrable design. While the B31-749 quickly became a favourite with professionals, FSI listened to industry feedback and recognised the appetite for even more power. In direct response to this demand, FSI are pleased to introduce the new, higher horsepower, FSI B31-980. As the world’s only dedicated stump grinder manufacturer, FSI have a long and proven history of industry firsts. FSI were the first to introduce a pivot point design on pedestrian stump grinders, and continued innovation has seen features like the FSI power-clutch, safety bar and hill hold brake system going on to set the industry standards. “The market is constantly evolving, and we strive to always stay ahead of the curve” explains FSI Managing Director Kim Schmidt. “By actively listening to our customers, we can identify emerging trends and develop products that truly meet their needs.” Responding to customer feedback has driven the introduction of the FSI B31-980. Building on the success of the B31-749, the new model retains the same narrow design (74cm), reliable performance, stability and manoeuvrability operators have come to expect from FSI. However, the increase from a 26.5hp to 38hp engine, delivers the additional power users require to quickly and effectively tackle stumps and navigate challenging terrain. The compact build, combined with counter-rotating tracks and low centre of gravity, optimise manoeuvrability of the FSI B31-980 making it ideal for a diverse range of working environments. When navigating tough terrain, or cutting on slopes, the built-in hydraulic motor brakes and counterbalance valve found on the B31 range ensures stability during intensive operations. Efficiency is assured thanks to two hydraulic cylinders which enable it to cover 120cm in a single sweep, while the ergonomic operator panel offers an exceptional view of the working area and conveniently places all necessary controls at your fingertips. Like the FSI B31-749, routine maintenance also remains simple. The hydraulically-driven cutter wheel on the FSI B31 eliminates the need for daily maintenance, minimising operating costs and reducing time spent in the workshop. “At FSI we are always listening and are proud to respond to what the market needs – whether it’s a completely new feature or a request for more power. We are committed to delivering the solutions our customer’s demand.” Kim continues, “We are delighted to be showcasing the FSI B31-980 at a number of events with our FSI partners throughout Europe over the next few months, including GaLaBau in Germany, Groen Techniek in The Netherlands, Salon Vert in France and APF in the United Kingdom.”

Book Your Free Place Today (Limited Availability) Sorbus will be delivering a Hitech Presentation/Demonstration at Moulton College, Moulton, Northampton NN3 7RR on Thursday 17 October 2024. Places are limited, and although free, must be booked in advance. We will be presenting a range of hitech equipment/systems and Tree Care products followed by practical demonstrations where ‘hands on’ participation is actively encouraged. Suitable for students at all levels and all Arb professionals (Consultants, Contractors, Local Authority Tree Officers, public & private landowners etc). This event is part of a series that we regularly organise at Universities & Colleges throughout the UK to give students and experienced professionals knowledge & practical experience of these products – much better than just reading about them! The session will commence at 10am; finished by lunchtime and is free of charge to attend. The itinerary is as follows: Introduction to Sorbus – who we are & what we do. IML microdrills for decay/defect assessment in trees and other wooden structures; focussing on the latest Resi-PD microdrill. This includes describing the PD in detail, how it is used and how to interpret the results. The PICUS range of tree assessment devices including the market leading PICUS 3 sonic tomography system, the TreeTronic 3 ERT (Electrical Resistance Tomography) system, TreeQinetic Tree Pulling and the latest TMS 3 (TreeMotion Sensors) that monitor tree rootplate & stem movement under natural wind conditions. Full descriptions are given along with methodology and result interpretation. Haglof Survey Devices for height /distance measurement and much more – from the entry level ECII-D electronic clinometer to the multi-functional laser/ultrasound GEO devices. PICUS Tension Drought Stress Monitors for trees/plants - The relevant measurement principle of the Tension is the soil water tension, expressed as a pF value, which indicates the force with which the water is held in the pores of the soil, i.e. the Tension not only measures soil moisture content but importantly how much force trees/plants must exert to extract the water. BITE Tree Infusion system to stimulate trees that are under stress or in decline using the patented EnerBite sap compatible treatment – description, methodology, benefits. How many times have you surveyed a tree that needs a boost to help it thrive & survive? The BITE system provides a very viable option. MycoSolutions Range including Avengelus Trichoderma soil enhancer/fertiliser, Tree Balm wound treatment & Ascovert organic liquid extract to support plants/trees during abiotic stress. BioSecurity – Awareness & importance of taking adequate measures to help prevent the spread of pests & diseases. Description of the Sorbus BioSecurity kits/accessories, Cleankill & Propellar disinfectants. PocketDiagnostic Lateral Flow Test Kits for the rapid & early in field identification of Phytophthora & other pathogens in trees, plants etc Practical session including demonstrations of various pieces of equipment where those attending are encouraged to get ‘hands on’ experience. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to reserve your place at this event.

STIHL will present a range of new products at this year’s SALTEX, Europe’s premier grounds management show, between 30th – 31st October 2024. Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, they will be showcasing brand new battery-powered tools in the AP System range, including the BGA 250, STIHL’s most powerful handheld leaf blower, the KMA 200 R, STIHL’s most powerful KombiMotor, the TSA 300, STIHL’s first battery-powered 12” cut-off machine and the SHA 140, STIHL’s first battery-powered vacuum shredder designed for professionals. The BGA 250 is the latest battery-powered leaf blower from STIHL. Weighing only 2.7kg, this leaf blower is lighter than the BGA 86 and boasts a significantly higher blowing force of 26 Newtons. This makes it the most powerful handheld leaf blower from STIHL, with the same blowing force on the maximum setting as the BR 430 petrol backpack blower. Due to the location of the battery on the BGA 250, it has great balance and the variable speed trigger makes it perfect for leaf clearing jobs that require high power. Thanks to constant power output technology, the blowing performance remains consistent throughout use and does not decrease as the battery discharges. Whether you use it at 100% charge or 20%, you’ll get full power until the battery has completely run out of energy. Also on show at SALTEX is the KMA 200 R, the latest KombiMotor offering from STIHL which has a higher power output than the KM 131 petrol KombiEngine. This new addition to the AP System offers professional landscapers unrivalled performance and versatility. What’s more, the KMA 200 R can be used with a wide-range of KombiTools for taking on landscaping tasks, including brushcutter, pole pruner, sweeper brush, leaf blower, lawn edging and hedge trimmer attachments. After many years of development, STIHL is excited to present its latest professional tool for hardscaping, construction and pipework, the TSA 300 12” cut-off machine. This model has been developed with precision in mind and features a variable speed control for achieving a significantly narrower cutting kerf in comparison to its petrol equivalent, the TS 410. This results in greater efficiency and a more accurate cut. The TSA 300 rivals the TS 410 for power and has other benefits such as being lighter, more compact and having less vibrations. Finally, STIHL will be presenting the SHA 140, its first battery-powered vacuum shredder in the AP System. Designed for professionals, this vacuum shredder is the most powerful in its lineup and has a robust build, as well as 15% more suction power than the petrol SH 86, making it ideal for the leaf clearing season ahead. Visitors to the STIHL stand will get the chance to see these new tools up close, observe live demonstrations, and speak with STIHL experts for advice and guidance on all STIHL machines. For more information, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.